The player base of Star Wars: Battlefront 2 has experienced a noticeable increase recently, sparked by this year’s May the 4th celebrations and the return of the well-received Andor series. Originally launched in 2017, the game’s popularity is rising once again as fans rally around its revitalized content.
This resurgence has naturally reignited speculation surrounding the possibility of Star Wars: Battlefront 3. However, recent insights from a former developer at DICE suggest that such an announcement isn’t likely to materialize in the near future.
Former DICE Developer Offers Insight on Battlefront 3 Status
Responding to inquiries on Reddit, Mats Holm, who previously served as a live producer for Battlefront 2, shared his views on the chances of a new installment. He noted that while discussions around a potential sequel exist, the likelihood of an official reveal any time soon remains low.
Holm commented that the momentum behind the current player uptick wouldn’t lead to immediate announcements. He also pointed out that the development team responsible for Battlefront 2’s post-launch transformation has since scattered across various studios, including Ubisoft, Mojang, and Avalanche, among others. Many have even moved abroad or joined startups, significantly diminishing the original team’s cohesion.
Development Challenges and Team Dispersal
Holm emphasized that while Embark Studios houses several key figures who worked on the base game, the group responsible for the live updates disbanded gradually, especially after being reassigned to Battlefield projects.
When asked if DICE could still produce a quality Battlefront sequel without the original live team, Holm expressed skepticism. He explained that the approach used to revive Battlefront 2 after its problematic launch was unique and deeply rooted in the experience and collaboration of the live team.
Risk of Losing the Magic Without Original Vision
The former producer warned that any attempt to develop a sequel using the same framework as the base game—without incorporating the lessons and strategies from the live updates—would risk repeating past mistakes. He implied that replicating the success of Battlefront 2 would require a full understanding of how the game was improved over time, rather than starting from scratch with a new team and direction.
He estimated that only a few individuals—around three—remain from the original live development crew still working at DICE. Additionally, the studio is currently focused on completing its upcoming Battlefield installment, leaving little room for another major Star Wars title in the near term.
Hope for a Remaster and Long-Term Planning
Despite the grim outlook for Battlefront 3, Holm suggested a different route. He proposed the idea of a remastered version of Battlefront 2 tailored for next-generation hardware expected around 2027 or 2028. He noted that a 2-3 year development cycle could allow for significant improvements, including cross-platform play, enhanced environmental effects like day/night cycles and dynamic weather, as well as a dedicated 1v1 mode.
Such an initiative, he explained, could not only satisfy current fans but also build a renewed player base that would provide valuable feedback for a potential Battlefront 3. This approach, he stated, could unfold over a 5-6 year timeline and be far more realistic and sustainable than rushing into a full sequel.
Summary of Potential Battlefront 2 Enhancements
- Cross-platform multiplayer functionality
- Planetary weather effects and time-of-day changes
- Expanded 1v1 combat mode
- Long-requested features not feasible during live service phase
Holm concluded that while nothing is officially in development at this time, the passion and ideas still exist within the former team members. For now, fans may need to settle for revisiting or rediscovering Battlefront 2, as the franchise’s future remains uncertain but not entirely without hope.